Kiwanian Bell Ringers help fill the Red Kettle

January 15, 2018

Vicki Baker

It’s that time of year! The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional Salvation Army red kettle is an integral part of the holiday scene with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors and the homeless. The Kiwanis Club RR volunteers its time and talents to assist in the Red Kettle Campaign, thus becoming critical partners in helping the Salvation Army fulfill its promise of “Doing the Most Good.”

Red Kettle Christmas Campaign enables the Salvation Army to provide food, toys and clothing to millions of people during the Christmas season and helps others recovering from all kinds of personal disasters nationwide. First started in San Francisco in 1891, this is the Salvation Army’s prominent fundraiser. The bell ringing season starts each November and runs through Christmas Eve when the red kettles are packed away for the season.

As bell ringers outside the Kroger grocery store in Denton for two weeks in mid-December, the Kiwanis Club personally had a part in feeding thousands of homeless people, providing toys to children and restoring heat in the homes of those whose income doesn’t stretch far enough. The money raised is also used to offer seasonal care such as Christmas food and toy baskets or a gift for residents of elderly care facilities. Donations help provide other services year round such as emergency shelter, food for families and singles and other material and financial assistance.

Kiwanians have what it takes to be bell ringers: ready smiles and the desire to make someone’s Christmas a little happier. Interested in sharing in the joy of the season or year round? Come visit a Kiwanis Club RR meeting on the first and third Fridays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse or contact Art Masciere at amasc@grandecom.net.